Aging in Place: 5 Ways to Create a Safer Home for 50+

Living in a welcoming and inviting home is the norm in almost every family. However, people above 50 years or elderly have special needs that need to be addressed. Most people in that age bracket need some furniture layout and sensible architectural choices to ensure the environment is more convenient and less physical. As an interior designer with many clients living in their “forever home” I am constantly addressing their needs and how their home needs to adapt to their needs in the future.

You can go for simple living room designs to make your space look organized and well-occupied. Below are some practical tips for aging in place and creating a safer home if you are 50 years and older.

What is Aging in Place Design?

Aging in place design is any design process, modification, or outcome that helps someone continue to live independently (or semi-independently) in their home as they get older. As we age, our needs change. Proactively designing for aging in place allows us to adapt our spaces to meet these changing needs.- Source

Consider the traffic flow.

It is recommended to rearrange your living room so that you can move around freely without knocking things down or bumping into furniture. You can go for a clutter-free and clean layout that will guarantee comfortable thoroughfare.

Get round centered tables and couches for small living rooms to make the room more spaced. This design will allow free and easy passage while maintaining the elegance of your living space. A small table next to the sofa can be a clever way to avoid traffic interruption. In addition, you can consider small furniture pieces like a low pouf to put your feet up when watching or relaxing.

Installing shower benches and grab bars in the bathroom

The bathroom can be among the most dangerous places in your home, especially when you are getting older. People aged 70 years and above tend to get on and off the toilet with injuries due to falling. Grab bars will come in handy since they offer additional support while getting up or sitting down. Replace your low seat toilet with a comfort height toilet too!

You can use grab bars as an additional towel bar. However, try to avoid using towel bars as grab bars since they are not always tight enough to take a person’s weight.

Another essential accessory you can add to offer support in your shower is a bench. A combination of wet floors and slippery soaps can be dangerous. Therefore, it can be very convenient to take a shower while seated (if you feel like it).

Install slip-resistance floors in the bathroom and kitchen

Consider installing pebble tiled floors or slip resistance floors to make the floor safe and easy to walk on. Sometimes, installing or changing the floor can be tricky. Therefore, you can consider using perforated anti-slip mats.

Did you notice that I designed a low threshold entrance into this walk-in shower? Low threshold entrances for your shower are considered a good aging-in-place designs.

Always remember outdoor living spaces.

Older people like to take some time on their own or soak in the sun. Therefore, you need to consider having a place where you can add a lounging space like balconies.

You can go for armrests with support and backrests to enjoy your time. Also, a swing chair can be the best idea, provided it is sturdy and stable. Remember, there is no older age to stop having fun.

Setting a well-lit living area.

Ensure your space is well lit with proper lighting fixtures. It is easy to move around your home if your space has enough lighting. Good lighting also can help reduce injury risks.

Install some wall sconces on your wall and table lamps beside your living room chairs and in your bedroom by your bed.

The kitchen is another important area where you need to have a good lighting design.

You might be alone, and you need to cook. Therefore, you need to have bright light, enough to see on all shelves and when chopping tomatoes or onions, to avoid cutting yourself.

Related:

Here’s the article I wrote featuring the bathroom photos for my interior design clients in New Jersey who wanted their bathrooms to address Aging in Place.

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. I love sharing my expertise as an interior designer. As an interior designer, I want everyone to enjoy their homes safely as we get older!